Month: July 2017

Cat Mate Electromagnetic Cat Flap Review

Automatic cat doors are a awesome way of keeping unwanted animals out, and your dear kitties or other pets inside your house. Or outside. Electronic cat doors are programmable in pretty much any setting you might want. In this column, we shall take a deeper look at the Cat Mate Electromagnetic Cat Flap

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CatMate Electronic Cat Flap Review
Click Here To See More Information And Pricing on Amazon.com

What is the Cat Mate Electromagnetic Cat Flap?

The Cat Mate Electromagnetic Flap is an automatic cat door that provides your pet the choice to exit and type in the home as many times he/she wants, enjoying your backyard and relieving you from full-time doorman duty.

The Cat Mate electronic pet door gives a safe way of letting your cats roam free because it identifies your cat through sophisticated electromagnetic technology. It also enables your cats to get into your dwelling without allowing stray cats, raccoons or other animals to enter your house.

The door recognizes your cat by utilizing a small magnet. The magnet also works as an identification tag, attached to your pet’s collar.

A sensitive circuit centrally located on the control board, senses if the magnet tag is near and if it is, it allows your pet to get through the flap.

This device has 4-way locking settings:

  1. Both ways
  2. Go inside only
  3. Go outside only
  4. Locked.

Frame lining to two 3/8 (60mm). Makes it ideal for all doors. The control panel uses one 9-volt battery, which is not included.

The Cat Mate Electromagnetic cat door comes with two small magnets that can be attached to your cat’s collar, much like a title tag.

 

What Are the Features of This Device?

  • Electromagnetic cat door with 4 types of locking options
  • Includes two small magnets for your pets to wear.
  • It opens only to the pet that is equipped with the magnet.
  • Keeps all other unwanted animals out.
  • Flap with brush: weather-proof seal, reducing warmth loss, draft coming in, and makes for quieter flapping.
  • Detailed instruction manual included
Cat Mate Cat Door Flap Specifications
Click Here To See More Information And Pricing on Amazon.com

What are the Dimensions and Technical Requirements?

automatic Cat Flap Review Size CatMate Electronic jpgOverall Door Size:

9-1/2-inch tall, 7-5/8- inch wide

Size of the Hole Needed To Fit This Door:
8-5/8-inch tall x 6-5/8-inch wide

 

 

Automatic Cat Door CatMate Electronic Cat Flap ReviewSize of the Cat Entrance:

6-1/2-inch tall x 6-inch wide

 

 

 

Duracell Batteries AccuBattery required?

Yes. one PP3 9v. alkaline battery. Batteries last approx. twelve months.

 

Suitable for:
Doors and panels

How Does This Device Work?

The Cat Mate cat door detects the area of a great compact magnet the cat uses in its collar and unlocks a latch that enables the cat to get into the home from the outside by pressing the door with its nose or perhaps head to get in. After the cat gets inside, the door returns to its usual place to get locked.

The locking system prevents the door from swinging into the home, but not from swinging outwards.

How the 4-Way setting works:

  1. Two-way
    The cat using the magnet on its collar can exit and type in the cat door. The cat just needs to use the magnet when entering the door but not when getting out.
  2. Entry only
    Useful setting in case you would like to keep your cat inside at night. The locking has to be done manually when your cat is inside.
  3. Exit only
    This feature enables you to keep your cat outside.
  4. Locked
    The pet door is fully locked.
Size of The Catmat Electronic Cat Flap Door
Click Here To See More Information And Pricing on Amazon.com

Is This Cat Door Easy To Install? Can You DIY or Should You Hire Someone?

The Electromagnetic Cat Mate door is pretty simple to set up. You’ll need a jigsaw, a drill, and a screwdriver. In the item description, you read about the lining. A liner is a frame that is set up through the door, to cover up the interior of the door.

Self-lining ways that you do not have to construct the frame for the cat flap if used in door or perhaps panels.

 

How to install the Cat Mate Electromagnetic in plastic panels and wooden doors.

These directions are for basic guidance only. You’ll see a far more detailed information and more tips on various types of installations in the instruction booklet.

  1. Place the template in the position you would like the cat door. The bottom part of the gap has to be the same height than your cat’s lower stomach.
  2. Draw the cat flap’s hole around completely.
  3. Before cutting the hole, drill two holes of approximately 1/4 (6mm) diameter in both of the most suited corners.
  4. Cut the hole along the interior of the drawn line using an (electric) jig-saw.
  5. Determine the thickness of the panel in your door, and use the right screws.
  6. Screw it tight, attaching both parts of the cat door.

Advantages and Disadvantages The Cat Mate Electromagnetic Cat Flap?

The Good

  • 4-Way locking system.
  • Simple directions and easy installation.
  • Large size, it allows cats up to thirteen lbs to pass though.
  • The collar magnets are generic magnets. You have a wide selection of buying options to get yourself some back up collars. The magnets just have to be strong enough.
  • Feral and neighborhoods cats can not use the cat door, provided they  don’t have a magnet on their collars.
  • Flap with brush weather-proof seal.
  • Low-noise: Not a loud sound when unlocking the flap.
  • Battery lasts longest compared to all other automatic cat doors.
  • Recommended for keeping indoor spaces separate.
  • Wallet-friendly. Good price point.

The Bad

  • Any cat with a magnet can use the cat door; magnets can’t be programmed to specific pets.
  • The locking mechanism cannot be offset automatically. You have to tape the latch down to train your cat in the beginning.
  • The cat door only locks when swinging in, but not when rocking outwards.
  • An intelligent cat or raccoon can certainly pull the flap open and enter through the door.  This occurs only rarely, with extraordinarily intelligent cats and like-minded raccoons.
  • The magnet on the collar can attract other metal objects. The magnets might limit your cat. No more bells in cat toys, or metal tag names.
  • It usually requires the magnet to be at a particular level to do the job (margin of error is approximately 0.39″ or one cm), but this may be modified with the placement on the cat’s collar.
  • The cat flap makes a clicking noise when it unlocks. It’s not obnoxious, but it might affect scaredy cats.
  • The door sometimes fails to lock when swinging back into the original position. The majority of the time, it does lock, but not 100 % of the time. Faulty locking can be due to the wind or a tail trapped in the door, etc.
  • The lining is not ideal for thick, sturdy walls
  • The brush strip on the flap gets dirty with cat hair. You need to clean it occasionally.

 

Device Usage Tips From Other Customers

 

CatMate Electronic Cat Flap Door Review Amazon
Click Here To See More Information And Pricing on Amazon.com

Before you buy it, think about the size of your cats. Make sure they will fit through the cat door effortlessly.

When putting the magnet in your cat collar, make sure the paw print of the magnet is facing forward. Additionally, be sure to connect the magnet band around the collar rather than only clipping it to the current metal band on the cat collar. It will prevent the magnet from going sideways

In the beginning, it might be a good idea to tape the door wide open, and place the magnet on your cat’s collar. This way you can get your kitty used to the clicking noise, without any locking mechanism in place. Your cat can take it’s time without feeling rushed.

To keep from having excess cat hair in the brush strip, clean the door from time to time.

If the cat door opens in a half-open position, check out the holes on top sides of the cat door. It probably means they have not been drilled deep enough. thus stopping the hinge from moving freely.

 

Our Conclusion

CatMate Electronic Cat Flap Review
Click Here To See More Information And Pricing on Amazon.com

The Cat Mate Electromagnetic cat door works to prevent stray animals from entering the home, and it’s suitable to be used inside too.

However, the flap may be pulled outwards. That might be a flaw with really brazen wild animals and raccoons.

In the event that you have to have a little-added protection against neighborhood pets or even to other animals inside your home, this is a great alternative for you.

If unwanted animals or perhaps other animals outside are remarkably intelligent, powerful and stubborn, this may not work for you.

The Cat Mate Electromagnetic pet door is the very best of this particular kind in this price range, despite the less favorable facts that the points above mentioned.

If you would like a reliable, limited entry system that is 100 % animal-proof, perhaps it’d be a better strategy to get a higher-tech product that has a locking setting in both sides of the flap.

As a result of each of the advantages and disadvantages, and the points mentioned,

we suggest the Cat Mate Electromagnetic cat door:

  • To households with small to above-average sized cats.
  • People who live in areas where there are no other (stray) animals attempting to get in through the pet door
  • To keep your neighbor’s cat or not so intelligent raccoons out.
  • To separate pets inside your home, if you want to create separate feeding stations or litter box placements

This device might not be ideal for:

  • Cats that weight over thirteen lbs
  • Scaredy cats or cats scared of noise
  • To stop extra aggressive or intelligent pets or raccoons.

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10 Things You Should NEVER Do To Your Cat… Are You Stressing Your Cat Out Without Knowing it?

Hopefully, no one deliberately makes life difficult for their cat. But not all that stresses out cats is directly apparent.

Certainly, for the caring cat guardian that wants their furry friend to live the very best life possible, it is a good idea to learn what NOT to do. So you can keep your cat free from accidental stress.

Several points in this article tend to be more logical compared to others, but here are ten things to not do to your cat.

These things make them to be unhappy, leads to unnecessary discomfort, and makes life more challenging for you.

 

Ten Things To Never Do to Your Cat

This list is not an extensive nor definitive list, and in case you have some tips for us, then please share them by making a comment.

 

1. Do Not Punish your Cat

Your cat jumps on the dining table, and you yell at him or her.

Oh no! What you did was show the cat to not jump on the countertop when you are there. She is still every bit as prone to pop up when you are at work.

Punishment is linked by cats to the person, instead of to the action, so there is a good possibility of damaging the bond between guardian and cat without actually solving the issue.

And even worse, yelling at the cat is an extraordinary source of anxiety.

And remember what good cats do when they are stressed? Pee in the wrong places! No great.

Rather, begin using additional ways to avoid these behaviors, and in case it is crucial to punish, like for the cat’s safety, use an Act of God.. like a stacked up tin cans which will tumble down once the cat jumps on the countertop.

 

2. Let Your Kitties Share Litter Trays

In case you’re running a multi-cat household, do not count on them to talk about litter boxes. Cats are extremely personal about their toileting. A few felines even demand a special tray for their solid and fluid excretions.

Sharing a litter box with another cat suggests compromising on territorial markers. For instance, scent, and also for although majority chilled cats what this means is pressure.

Additionally, keep the trays clean. No pet wants to use a dirty toilet, especially a sanitary animal like a cat. The effect might be a cat which poops outside of the box as a dirty protest.

If your routine makes it difficult to poop scoop and renew the litter a couple of times one day, then check out an automatic, self-cleaning litter tray.

 

3. Under-Stimulate Your Pet

Cats require lots of mental stimulation, and especially for an inside cat, it is up you to offer your pet some.

Just because cats love to sleep, does not mean they do not wish to be amused. Think about them like sprinters, who like short spurts of activity followed by recovery and rest.

Try getting in the practice of playing with your cat for a couple of minutes, two or maybe three times one day.

Offer locations just where they’ll perch, like a taller cat tower to find a window and observe the world go by. Leave the television running while you are away, tuned to a wildlife channel.

Offer them cat toys, particularly those with catnip, and spin them round, so there is something new and fascinating to get kitty’s interest.

 

4. Drive Your Cat Into a Corner

Many cases of aggression in the cat would be the outcome of the cat feeling nervous, stressed, and trapped.

Cats wish to stay away from conflict, but when backed into an area with zero escape routes, they’re likely to feel frightened, and they might lash out to defend themselves.

Understand this simple truth about cat psychology. Move out of a possible escape path for your cat. This way your kitty won’t feel so frightened.

 

5. Overfeed your Cat

Carrying a lot of weight shortens your cat’s life significantly. There is a powerful link between diabetes and obesity in cats. And more: complications such as joint disease, liver problems, and heart problems.

Do not overfeed your cat, and try using activities to keep your cat in shape. Puzzle feeders or treat dispenser that require some effort from your pet help to get them moving about. These toy treat dispenser also offer emotional stimulation.

 

6. Leave your Cat Unspayed or -Neutered

Even indoor cats must be desexed. You will find many advantages for this, not least of that’s in case they did escape (and cats searching for a mate can be quite resourceful) they might contribute to the cat population problem by reproducing. Additionally, those raging hormones help make the cat much more apt to enter into a battle, which may result in grabbing a major condition like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

The unpleasant smell of male cat urine, and also their increased chance of spraying to mark their territory, is included by some other factors to act. It preserves the women the strain of coming into heat every three days, and also the danger associated with a severe womb infection, known as a pyometra, is eliminated by it.

 

7. Declaw your Cat

Declawing involves amputating the upper part of every toe. Check out your fingers now. Imagine how troublesome and painful life would be if you had the end of every finger, from the top joint, amputated.

Please, do not declaw your cat.

In case your cat gives you clawing and scratching issues in your home, then tackle it by some other means.

This includes offering a lot of emotional stimulation and also providing the cat with a lot of opportunities to scratch.

To do this, determine in case you cat likes to scratch vertical or horizontal surfaces. Maybe you cat likes scratch posts with both the orientations.

Make certain the scratch objects are sturdy and tall. Make sure the cat can reach up far enough, and subsequently rake down. Provide a few of these scratch opportunities, and place them at key locations like exits and entrances, and alongside the cat’s napping spots.

 

8. Forget About Your Pet’s Dental Health

Exactly when is the last time you looked at your cat’s teeth? Dental diseases are frighteningly common, starting as early as from two, three years of age. By ignoring tooth health, you jeopardize the cat.

This might lead them to require surgery later in life, when their aging body is less able to manage the stress.

Rather, begin brushing your cat’s teeth. Or maybe consider alternatives, like food or water additives, dental hygiene diet programs, or even chew toys with a beneficial cleaning action.

 

9.  Forget To Insure Your Cat

Should your cat become ill, steer away from obtaining treatments for your cat according to what you can afford. Instead, focus on what is ideal for your beloved pet.

When that kitty of yours is insured, you’re free from the boundaries of what you have in your bank account. And you are also able to choose a therapy based on an expert’s recommendation.

Cancer is, unfortunately, a very common disease in cats and dogs. Cancer treatment is incredibly expensive. My friend has spent 15.000 USD on chemotherapy for her cat Hunter, and she wishes she got pet insurance retrospectively. Don’t let it happen to you.

 

10. Not Getting you Cat Microchipped

Great, your cat remains strictly indoors, so why does she require a chip?

To respond to this, imagine it is a cool, wet winter ‘s night. While you take the food in from the automobile, the cat slips from the home and into the darkness. Since she has never been outdoors before, she’s no concept of exactly where she is.

Any possibility of retracing the fragrance on her paws is flushed out by the rain. This cat will become lost.

Now think she has been picked up and delivered to a shelter. She doesn’t have a microchip. No-one knows if this cat has an owner, so how can they find you?.

Nevertheless, with a chip, it is a simple matter to scan your pet, search for the right person inside the register, and have the shelter provide you with a phone call.

 

Conclusion

And so there we have it, ten tips of things not to do to your cat. Both you and your cat now have a chance of living in perfect harmony for years to come.

 

Do you have any suggestions on what tips to include? Remember to leave a comment!

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Review

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Review

An automatic cat door is a great way of keeping unwanted visitors out, and your beloved pets inside your house. Or outside. Electronic cat flaps are programmable in any setting you might need. In this article, we dive into the specifics of the SureFlap Microchip for Cats.

What is the Sureflap Microchap Cat Door?

Cat Flap Garage Door SureFlap Microchip Review

The SureFlap Microchip Cat Door is an automatic door for cats that employs a microchip implanted in the cat’s skin as a key. The door only unlocks when your microchipped cat tries to enter your house. Without a chip,  intruders such as raccoons, the neighborhood cats, etc. are unable to enter your house through your cat flap.

This cat door has a strong central magnet, to keep the door from swinging in the wind, and to add more security and sealing power.

This particular system doesn’t require the cat to wear a collar with a tag to work, making it extra advantageous if your kitty does not like to wear collars.. or if your cat already lost several of them.

Some people do not like the thought of their cat getting microchipped. If you are one of them, SureFlap offers tags you can attach to your cat’s collar. You can buy these tags separately.

The system is suitable for single and large multi-cat households. You can program up to 32 unique cat ID’s in its memory.

 

Sureflap MicroChip Collar Cat Pets
Collar Tags with MicroChip. See More Information On Amazon.

Selective Entry: Control Who Gets In And Out

The system of the SureFlap utilizes the principle of “selective entry,” which means it keeps undesired felines and other creatures from entering your home, but any pet can leave, regardless of wether they have a microchip implanted.

The cat flap features a 4-way manual locking setting that enables you to lock it with any combination of in/out your heart desires.

If your cat suffers bullying from a mean neighborhood cat or raccoons, or the other little critters come in to steal your cat;s food, the SureFlap is a great solution to put an end to all these unwanted behaviors.

The SureFlap cat door is suitable for small and medium sized cats.

 

Features of the SureFlap

The Cat door uses the RFID microchip technology as a key. It also features 4 methods of manual locking:

  • 2-way,
  • in-only,
  • out-only
  • locked.

The flap most likely works with your cat’s existing microchip. It is compatible with 9, 10 and 15 digit microchips. The only exclusions are 10-digit microchips, with codes beginning with 000, 010 and 020. You can program up to 32 microchips ids in the device’s memory.

No collar or tag required. Collars and tags can get lost or stolen. It runs on 4AA batteries (not included). Batteries last from 6-12 months with one cat, depending on the usage frequency. It has a light to indicate a low battery.

Selective entry – any cat can exit (with or without microchip).

It registers your cat’s microchip by pushing one button.

Sturdy and well-designed two-part device that you can install with ease in walls, doors, and windows.

This door fits into the gap left by most of the previous existing cat doors.

It also works with collar tags, available for purchase separately.

The magnet in the center prevents the door from flapping in the wind.

The tunnel design keeps intruder cats from pulling the door inwards.

3-year warranty provided by the manufacturer

 

Top Cat Door SureFlap Microchip
View More Information And Customer Reviews on Amazon

Unit Size and Dimensions

  • Door Opening Dimensions: 5.59? (W) x 4.72? (H) / 142mm (W) x 120mm (H)
    (This dimension is the narrowest section of the cat flap that your kitty will have to enter).
  • Hole Cutting Dimensions: 6.5? (W) x 6.73? (H) / 165mm (W) x 171mm (H)
    (The amount of space needed to fit your cat door. The Installation Template can be used to cut the hole).
  • Exterior Frame Dimensions: 8.25? (W) x 8.25? (H) / 210mm (W) x 210mm (H)
  • Tunnel Depth (outside): 2.75? / 70mm
  • Tunnel Thickness: 0.18″ / 4.5mm
  • Front Frame Depth (inside frame): 1.65″ / 42mm
  • Item Weight: 2 lbs

 

Compatibility with Micro Chips

The SureFlap cat door works with the following micro chip codes:

  • 15-digit microchips (FDXB, standard in Europe)
  • 10-digit microchips (FDXA, frequently used in the USA). With exception of the 10-digit microchips of those starting with 000, 010 and 020.
  • 9-digit microchips (known as Avid Secure/Encrypted Chip)

If you don’t remember your cat’s microchip number, do not despair.

If your cat has been previously microchipped in the past and you don’t remember the code number, you don’t need to remember it to program the door.

 

How to program the SureFlap:

  1. Push the program button
  2. Let your cat through the cat flap
  3. The scanner will read the microchip number
  4. Your cat’s microchip will be registered it in the SureFlap’s memory.

If you already have your cat microchipped with an incompatible microchip code, you might want to look into the newer and larger version: The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. This door is suitable for larger cats and small pooches, and is compatible with all microchips – without exception.

If you haven’t previously microchipped your cat: We advise you to pass the microchip through the pet flap before you have the chip implanted in your cat’s skin. By the time your cat gets micro-chipped, you can be sure the chip is in working order and is already programmed in the entrance’s memory.

But if you do not like the idea of getting your kitty microchip implants,  you can buy the optional RFID collar tag(s).

Best Cat Flap SureFlap Microchip

How Does This Unit Operate?

When the pre-approved microchipped cat comes close to the door and is about to enter it, a scanner placed in the tunnel scans the microchip, recognizes the ID and automatically unfastens a latch. This automatic action allows the kitty to push the door open with its head or nose, and subsequently enter your house.

The SureFlap microchip works with passive RFID technology. RFID is short for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID makes sure the chip implanted in your cats’ skin does not trigger the locking mechanism to open.

Rather, the microchip contains information waiting to be scanned and subsequently recognized by the scanner situated in the pet door’s frame.

 

The cat door’s interior structure has two types of sensors to scan the microchip with:

  1. a motion sensor
  2. a radio frequency sensor.

When your cat approaches the flap, first the motion sensor turns on and then activates the Radio Frequency scanner sensor to read the information on the microchip. Once the memory in the cat entrance identifies the chip ID, the system electronically opens the latch for your pet to push the door to get in.

After your cat enters the door, it shuts automatically by way of a strong magnet.

You can set the door with different lengths of time to close. Different closing times are especially useful when getting cats accustomed to automatic cat doors. Cats need to get used to the “click” sound when the scanner reads the microchip, allowing them to get through.

When training your felines to use the SureFlap, we advise you to set the closing speed to the slowest setting. The fastest setting for the flap to fasten after your pet has passed through is approximately 2 seconds.

See a video of the Sure Flap in action:

 

How does the 4-way locking system work?

2-Way.
Your cats can come indoors and go outdoors as they please. The SureFlap features the principle of selective entry. With selective entry, only micro chipped cats can enter the door, but any pet with or without microchip can leave.

Only-in.
Your cats can only get in, but they can’t get out. You can enable this option by manually turning a dial from the inside. This action locks the latch and keeps your cats in the house.

If one or more of your pets are outside and they are equipped with a microchip, your pet will be able to enter your home, but none of your pets can go outdoors. This option is useful to keep your cats in at night or to get them ready for veterinarian visits.

Only-out.
Any pet can exit the door, but none can get back in. You can manually set this option by turning a dial located on the flap.

This feature could be useful if you want to keep your cat outdoors when allergic visitors come over, the house cleaners do their job, or whatever reasons you might have to (temporary) keep your pets outside.

Locked.
The flap is shut tight. With this setting, no pet can enter or exit through the door. The setting as mentioned earlier is also helpful to keep your cats inside at night if you think your pet could outsmart the “Only In” mechanism.  You also use Locked mode when you’re leaving on a trip with your cats.

It is important to mention that SureFlap cat door does not prevent cats without microchip from exiting the door. If you run a multiple cat household and you want to control which cat can enter and leave through the door, it is a better idea to get the SureFlap DualScan.

The 4-Way locking is not automatic or controlled by a timer. If you want your cat to be inside at specific times, you will need to set it by hand by shifting a control on the flap.

The newer version of the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door, designed for larger cats or small dogs, does come with a timer. You can set the timer change the door’s locking settings automatically at pre-programmed times.

Cat Door SureFlap Microchip Review

What About the Batteries?

Battery Compartment

The batteries should last from 6 up to 12 months, depending on a few factors like:
how many cats use the door
how often you clean dirt and cat hair from it
how many unwanted “visitors” approach the cat flap during the day/night.

The company advises not to use rechargeable batteries because their performance is not 100% reliable. If you do decide to use rechargeable batteries, make sure to change them well before they run out.

If the batteries run out while you aren’t around, the entrance gets locked by default. Batteries going flat may leave your cat locked out or locked in. To help you avoid this terrible disaster, the SureFlap cat door has a battery life indicator, which is a small red led (on top of the door) that blinks when the batteries are about to run out.

Do make sure to check on the battery life indicator often.

 

 

 

 

How To Install This System?

The SureFlap microchip cat door consists of two parts that are being held together by screws. The depth of this tunnel is created with the two parts, and it’s adjustable. It is wholly adaptable to your doors’ measurement.

The tools you will need for installation of the SureFlap:

  1. Jig saw
  2. 1/4″ bit drill  (6mm)
  3. Screwdriver
  4. Marker with felt tip
  5. Tape measure
  6. Spirit level

 

Wooden Doors

The installation of the SureFlap in wooden doors does not have the need for any adapters. You can install it by following the instructions on the YouTube video.

 

Metal Doors

To install the SureFlap in metal doors, you will need an adapter. The reason is that metal could interfere with the Radio Frequencies, thus stopping the scanner from scanning the microchip.

The adapter is especially a must when the metal has any steel components.

The SureFlap works exceptionally well on garage doors. The design of the SureFlap permits for a much tighter fit on thin metal garage doors than most other cat doors.

 

Glass Windows

When installing the door in glass windows, an adapter is required.

This adapter is circular with 11″ diameter. It is an excellent idea to let a glazier (glass professional) cut the opening for, instead of you or your handyman hubby.

 

Cat Flap SureFlap Microchip Brick Wall Review

Brick or Concrete Walls

One or possibly more SureFlap Tunnel Extenders may be required for wall installations, depending on the thickness of the wall. The original SureFlap Microchip cat door, without any Tunnel Extenders, can handle up to 2 inches in depth.

 

Installing the SureFlap in an Existing Opening

If you want to install the SureFlap onto a pre-existing opening, you will likely have a little bit of extra space on the width and height of the opening. You can use the “Cat Flap Mounting Adapter” to cover up the larger hole, without making the design look ugly.

 

The Good & The Bad

The Good

  • Solid performance with RFID microchip technology
  • Additional 4-way manual lock (in-only, out-only, in-and-out, locked)
  • Easy to register the chip. Simply push the button and let the chip or cat with the chip implant pass through.
  • Only the registered cats can enter the door with their unique microchip ID.
  • No chance of other creatures wearing magnets or IR tags entering the door, unlike other types cat doors might.
  • Your cats do not need to wear a collar tag.
  • But if you want, this device can work with collar tags.
  • Sturdy, rigid plastic flap.
  • A clicking noise to act as a hindrance for wild animals following your pet.
  • Durable weatherproof sealed door (although it may let in a little bit of a draft when not kept clean)
  • Battery life indicator to notify you of due changes
  • The long life of included batteries.
  • Strong magnets allow fast closing of the door
  • Strong magnet keeps the flap from blowing open by wind gusts.
  • Well built, solidly made
  • Easy to install

 

The Bad

  • Selective entry means the door locks only in inwards direction, so it can be pulled open from the outside.
  • Cheeky raccoons can open the door by pulling it open, especially on the setting that allows cats to leave and enter freely.
  • The opening is on the small side. It is more fitting for small to medium sized felines and less for big cats (euphemism for overweight) or tall cats (4.72″ height).
  • The clicking noise might be scary to your cat.
  • Only battery powered, no backup power.
  • The microchip has to be located directly on the back of the cat’s neck for the RFID sensor to scan the chip.
  • The magnets make it a little bit laborious for your cats to shove the flap open.
  • It does not work with 10-digit microchips beginning with 00, 010, 020.
  • The mechanism requires the cat to stand still close to the door’s tunnel to get the chip scanned.

Best Cat Flap SureFlap Microchip Wooden Wall Review

Tips On Using The System

To train your cat to get used to the “click” sound of the door unlocking, we recommend duct taping the “flap” open.  So your cat can pass freely in the beginning. Even if your cats hear the “click,” they won’t be discouraged from pushing the door and going through it.

It will get accustomed to that sound more easily. Some cats take to the door quickly and use it straight away without any issues. Other cats can take days to weeks to get used to it (and a real skittish cat may take a month), but in the end, cats always end up utilizing the SureFlap cat door.

If you don’t want to get your cat microchipped, you can buy a chip and attach it to a cat´s collar. This way you can reuse the collar on other pets if you need to. You can buy new microchips if they get lost; they are rather affordable.

If the scanner of the flap does not scan your cats’ microchip, the chip may have migrated down the neck. We advise you to see your vet if you suspect this is the case.

If you want to keep your cat inside and you know your pet is very smart and strong-minded, it is advisable to use the setting “Locked” rather than “Only In.”

 

Conclusion

Best Cat Door SureFlap Microchip Review

The SureFlap Microchip Cat Door is a remarkably great pet door that operates as advertised. The manufacturer improved the flap with the latest version. It is now much quieter when unfastening the lock. However, there is still a little clicking noise when unlocking; some cats might not like this at first.

But it is not a loud sound, and with a little usage, your pets get accustomed to it fast. The instructions explicitly explain how to train your cat to use the automatic cat door.

If your cat weighs less than 10 lbs, it will go through the flap without effort. Cats weighing over 10 pounds will probably have to do a little squeeze through the door to get inside your house.

For large sized cats, weighing in at 11+ lbs, there is a special larger version which you can view here: the SureFlap Pet Door suitable for larger cats and small dogs.

There are some previous editions of the SureFlap. The manufacturer guarantees that you will get the newest version when you purchase from Amazon.com.

We recommend the SureFlap Microchip Cat Door to anyone who has a micro-chipped cat or who will microchip their pets. It helps greatly in keeping out the neighbor’s cat, or any other wild animals that may be intruding your home. This door is suitable for small to medium sized cats.

We recommend it:

  • If you want to replace your existing regular pet flap for a SureFlap
  • To create feeding stations to separate your cats
  • To separate litter box sites in different rooms to separate your pets

The cat door might not be suitable:

  • To large breed cats, tall cats or overweight cats weighing more than 11 lbs; fat cats have to squeeze their body to go through.. or won’t fit through at all.
  • If your cat has a 10-digit microchip that begins with 00, 010 or 020.
  • If you require a 100% raccoon-proof solution. (The unit stops almost all raccoons, but a super tiny percentage of exceptionally bright raccoons may still outwit the SureFlap).
  • For handicapped, disable or elderly cats with arthritis
  • To be installed in real thick walls

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